It’s been way too long since I’ve done a random dump on the blog, and I recently heard from some of you that you miss it. So here goes a collection of thoughts and happenings.
A TRIP Last week in Arizona we made over the Hutchison’s bedroom and hopefully inspired them to continue on to other rooms in their home. I myself was inspired in so many ways on our trip. The desert landscape is always a treat, and this time I was even more aware of its colors and light as we pulled from it for the makeover. I also visited Scottsdale Marketplace on Thrift With The Makerista. I highly recommend a stop in if you’re in the area for a chance to be wowed! Even the hotels we stayed in were eye candy. The Arizona Grand was a classic take on southwest style. I loved all of the old buildings and landscape. Terra cotta pots galore!
The Scott is a hip resort filled with design elements that are right on trend. From the retro car and bikes when you pull in, to the custom fragrance and striped awnings, the lounge wrapped in beautiful paper and the swanky pools – there is a design surprise around every corner. The Arizona Grand and Scott resorts were kind enough to host us while we renovated last week, and they have also offered you all a discount code! If you’re headed to the Scottsdale area, you can use code MAKERISTA for 30% off your stay at The Scott here, and Arizona Grand here.
A SURVEY This fall I signed up for Chris Loves Julia‘s Good Influence(r) course. I’ve been slowly working my way through the lessons, and I’ve been given the homework to learn more about you all with a reader survey. I can’t believe this, but I’ve never done a survey in all of my years of sharing my life and passions on the internet. If you wouldn’t mind taking some time to answer these questions, I’d be so grateful. Please remember, it’s all anonymous. Thank you!
AN OUTFIT Justin was down right before we left for Arizona. We had planned to do a lot of shooting but life has been a bit sad lately, and I just wasn’t really feeling it. He managed to snag a few shots though, and I just love this fresh color combination of the blue and green. Also, how about my new chaise? Well, it’s not new, but it got a new outfit too. This is the chaise lounge I asked for for my birthday in 8th grade. It had been through a lot, and I absolutely love the way it’s been freshened up. The fabric and bullion fringe are from Nell Hills and Designers Avenue in Independence did the upholstery. I highly recommend both of these businesses!
A NAIL COLOR Just like neutral paints are the hardest to get right, I find a nude polish the most difficult to nail. I’ve been treating myself to a manicure the last few months there’s something about great nails that just makes me happy and I think I’ve finally found it: OPI’s Do You Take Lei Away. The color is not too pink, not too brown, not too light, not too dark.
A DESIGN TIP Our living room surfaces really need some fresh styling. I’ve pulled out all of the pieces I think can work, and they’ve been collecting dust for a few weeks now. Sometimes styling comes together quickly for me, sometimes it doesn’t. I’ve been feeling stuck, and when I feel stuck I turn to Pinterest. I combed my boards titled LIVING and VIGNETTES, studied the things that I really loved out, and now I feel ready and even excited to tackle the coffee table, credenza, and bar cabinet in the next few days. When you really love an image, it’s important to break it down and answer why. If I love something I look at the details. Is the styling symmetrical? What elements are really bringing great impact? Lamps, vases, fresh flowers, lots of books? Figuring out why you like something is the right step to recreating it for yourself!
Happy weekend, friends!
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Jen says
I enjoyed this so much, I came back today hoping for another weekly roundup. Then I realized, I should’ve left feedback to encourage more. Have a great weekend in your garden! 🙂
themakerista@gmail.com says
So sweet, thank you so much, Jen!
Beth says
Love all your posts. Hoping to hear more from you soon! You’re my fav blogger!
themakerista@gmail.com says
Thanks, Beth!
Gabriella says
Thanks so much for this post. Just found your blog through Bloglovin,